Energy
Introduction
For most institutions, energy consumption is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, which cause global climate change. Implementing conservation measures and switching to renewable sources of energy can help institutions save money and protect them from utility rate volatility. Renewable energy may be generated locally and allow campuses to support local economic development. Furthermore, institutions can help shape markets by creating demand for cleaner, renewable sources of energy.
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Why Ohio U Won't Cede or Sell Its Renewable Energy Credits
- Ohio University (OH)
Increasingly, colleges and universities are being approached by third party developers to install alternative energy systems on campus with little to no upfront capital investment. The catch? As part of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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UCF, an In-House Energy Service Group that Saves Millions
- University of Central Florida (FL)
The University of Central Florida (UCF) surpassed its goal and decreased its energy consumption by 25 percent per square foot in fiscal year 2008-2009. This saved the university close to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Students teaching students to save energy in their homes
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
Many students living on their own for the first time are on financial aid or work to cover living expenses; making ends meet can be tough. Yet most are not …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability Commitments and Actions at University of Hawaii Maui College
- University of Hawaii Maui College (HI)
The new energy goals set forth by the Hawai'i Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) in 2008 have set the stage for making Hawaii a global model for energy independence and sustainability. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Spotlight on Sustainability: A Student Lab Theatre
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
Hundreds of small theatres and classrooms across the United States, and hundreds more around the globe, rely heavily on high-wattage incandescent theatrical lighting equipment to illuminate the platform or stage. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Promoting sustainable behavior with motion sensing power strips and desk lamps
- University of Michigan (MI)
The paper presents the outcomes of a pilot program at the University of Michigan intended to influence people's attitudes and behaviors relating to energy consumption, through the adoption of motion …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Extreme energy efficiency: building the sustainable Bagley Classroom at UMD
- University of Minnesota, Duluth (MN)
Extreme energy efficiency. Renewable energy production. On-site composting toilets. Passive heating. Unique building materials. Natural ventilation. The Bagley Classroom at the University of Minnesota Duluth is located on a 50 …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Harvesting the Wind: Productive Student Engagement in Campus Sustainability
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
While students are generally recognized as critical to the success of campus sustainability endeavors - many student groups are prime movers, in fact - their rapid turnover and apparent distractability …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Green Campus 101- Empowering Tomorrow's Energy Efficiency Leaders
- Alliance to Save Energy (CA)
Colleges offer prime opportunities to address energy issues, as demonstrated by the Alliance to Save Energy's Green Campus Program. This session will showcase transferable best practices of a student-driven campaign …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative: A Five Year Perspective
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Aligning with the theme for the AASHE 2010 conference, "Campus Initiatives to Catalyze a Just and Sustainable World", the Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative (REI) would like to propose …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Friday Night Lights: Dialing Down Energy Use
- Bowling Green State University (OH)
The phenomenon known as "Friday Night Lights" at Bowling Green State University was created in the fall of 2009. A student approached the Sustainability Coordinator with an idea he had …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Assessment of emission reduction as a function of biomass boiler installation
- Franklin Pierce University (NH)
Life cycle analysis of biomass (wood pellet) production demonstrates significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, when compared to the life cycle analysis of No. 2 heating fuel. Life cycle analysis …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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unPLUg: How an Energy Competition Can Permanently Change Behavior
- Pacific Lutheran University (WA)
Many colleges have implemented residential hall competitions to reduce energy; however do these competitions create long-term change in behavior? Too often after the tally is counted many will return to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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To Tear Down or Retrofit - Reducing Building Energy Footprint
- Smith College (MA)
Given data on building energy consumption, institutions can leverage available standard tools to estimate their energy reduction potential. However, many campuses, especially those with a central power plant, are not …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Scientific Laboratories Becoming More Efficient through Behavioral Changes & Equipment Solutions
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
Laboratories at the University of Colorado-Boulder (CU-Boulder) typically use 5-7 times more energy than classroom or office space. Like many universities, until recently, CU laboratories have not been a focal …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Integrating Teaching, Research and Operational Sustainability: Utilization of Bio-Energy at UNBC, Canada's Green University
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
Located in the centre of Canada's most western province, the University of Northern British Columbia is poised to be a leader in demonstrating and developing renewable energy technology. To complete …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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University of Northern BC Campus Bio-energy System
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
The University of Northern BC (UNBC) is located in Prince George, BC - Canada. The main campus of UNBC was opened in 1994 and currently hosts a student enrollment, faculty …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Enhancing the human dimensions aspect of Conservation Biology, Ecology and Sustainability
- University of Northern Colorado (CO)
As human civilization moves into a time of environmental uncertainty regarding environmental and biological threats such as global climate change, species extinction, human population growth and other issues, it is …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Strategies to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Lab Buildings on Academic Campuses
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
Laboratory buildings, because of programmatic and safety requirements, remain one of the highest consumers of energy on academic campuses. As campuses develop and implement plans to achieve carbon neutrality commitments …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Pushing energy sustainability through innovative partnerships
- University of Wyoming (WY)
We will share the challenges and rewards of working toward energy sustainability through an innovative partnership. In April 2010, we began working with the Jackson Hole Energy Sustainability Project (JHESP). …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Energy Efficiency by Design in Parking on Campus at University of Colorado Boulder
- Intellenergy (CT)
When considering ways to save energy on campus, parking structures are an excellent place to start. Parking garages are a necessary evil. Although creative transportation options are emerging, there continues …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Energy Markets 101: Everything a Sustainability Officer Needs to Know
- Harvard University (MA)
- University at Albany (NY)
- EYP (NY)
- Campus Climate Solutions (FL)
Energy market costs and volatility pose both a threat and an opportunity for advancing sustainability initiatives in the higher education market. Reducing energy consumption has the greatest immediate and long-term …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Providing Pomona Students with Line Drying Options: Changing Behavior and Reducing Energy Use One Sock at a Time
- Pomona College (CA)
In Spring 2008, Pomona College began two projects to give students the opportunity to line dry their clothes. The first project was the installation of eight large, high-quality drying racks …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Community Energy Connection
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
CU Community Energy Connections (CEC) is a collaboration between the CU Environmental Center's Energy Program and the CU Environmental Justice Steering Committee. The CEC focuses on social justice and diversity …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Overcoming Challenges in Campus-Wide Energy Benchmarking
- Cadmus Group, Inc. (FL)
Colleges and universities wanting to track their energy use may face several roadblocks. One is that for many campuses, buildings are not submetered, but grouped together as a single source …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Campus Metabolism - A Visual Education and Awareness Tool Supporting Conservation
- Arizona State University (AZ)
Arizona State University recognizes the importance of providing relevant information to engage their community as agents of change in its sustainability mission. The Campus Metabolism project is an effort to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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NC Petroleum Displacement Plan Requirement: A Case Study & Measuring Success
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)
- Western Carolina University (NC)
The North Carolina Solar Center (NCSC) at NC State University will organize a presentation on North Carolina's State Petroleum Displacement Plan Requirement. The presentation will include representatives from UNC Charlotte …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Institutional Demotechnic Index - A Comparison of Technological Energy Consumption at U.S. Colleges and Universities
- University of Arkansas (AR)
The Campus Demotechnic Index (CDI) is a metric being developed to serve as a sustainability indicator for U.S. colleges and universities. The CDI is modified after the Demotechnic Index (D-Index) …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability in the Business Curriculum
- Goshen College (IN)
What happens when business majors complete a hands-on course helping local business become more sustainable? This year students in the Management Policy and Social Responsibility course analyzed renewable energy options …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Evaluation of Campus Commitments in DOE Humid Zones
- University of Houston (TX)
- National Association of Educational Procurement (MD)
Rising energy prices emphasize the need for campuses to address sustainable practices. This study evaluated colleges and universities with over 10,000 students in the Department of Energy (DOE) "Hot and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Carbon-Free and Nuclear-Free by 2050
- Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (MD)
Sustainability can only come if we can bring the CO2 content of our atmosphere back within safe limits. This will require large reduction in CO2 emissions from the industrialized nations …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Energy Independence/ Carbon Neutral
- Los Angeles Community College District (CA)
The Los Angeles Community College District's $2.2 billion program for new construction and modernization incorporates a plan to enhance existing non-fossil fuel self-generation resources and building new green, renewable energy …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Launching Web-Enabled, Real-Time, Energy Management Software in Campus Buildings at 4 Canadian Universities
- University of British Columbia (BC)
- Sustainable Campus (ON)
- University of Toronto (ON)
As universities and colleges across Canada ramp up efforts in campus sustainability the need for mechanisms to exchange information and best practice, and build networks for dialogue specific to the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainable Laboratory Design Case Study
- BNIM Architects (MO)
Laboratory buildings are usually thought of as being the inevitable energy hogs on campus. The Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building, home of the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine at …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Energy Master Plans - From Here to a Zero Carbon Footprint
- Building Services Consultants, Inc (PA)
The ACUPCC has generated a keen interest in colleges and universities to move toward a zero carbon footprint. An Energy Master Plan (EMP) is essential to facilitate a successful carbon …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Making it Personal: Targeted Outreach Climate Change and Energy Conservation
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
It's no surprise that students are more likely to take action on climate change if they understand it in the context of issues that affect and interest them personally. Similarly …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The LED University Program: Stories from Three Member Institutions
- Madison Area Technical College (WI)
- North Carolina State University (NC)
- University of Arkansas (AR)
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The LED University program launched in April, 2008, showcases member universities' LED lighting installations around the world. Three member universities will describe their efforts to deploy LED lighting including the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Lighten Up Caroline - A Community Project For Energy Efficiency
- Cornell University (NY)
- Town of Caroline (NY)
On Saturday, April 19th, 2008, approximately 90 volunteers distributed one compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) in a reusable bag containing information about household energy conservation and CFL use and recycling to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative (ASU REI)
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State University's Renewable Energy Initiative is an organization funded by student fees that seeks to reduce the environmental impact of Appalachian State University by replacing the University's existing sources …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Innovative Methods in Renewable Energy Education and Training and the Integration of Campus Sustainability at Cape Cod Community College
- Cape Cod Community College (MA)
Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) has a dynamic and vibrant environmental program that includes two degree and multiple certificate options, including three certificates in Clean Energy Technologies: Photovoltaic, Solar Thermal …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Warm Data, Cool Earth or Unplug to Keep the Polar Bear Happy
- Dartmouth College (NH)
Faculty and students at Dartmouth College have created an animated real-time energy display system to encourage students to reduce electric use through behavior changes. What is unique about this system …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Exchange Programs as a Potentially Cost Effective and Socially Beneficial Approach to Offsetting Carbon Emissions Locally
- Oberlin College (OH)
To achieve carbon neutrality, organizations can balance unavoidable emissions by purchasing "carbon offsets" that provide credit for emissions captured or reduced elsewhere. Locally managed and implemented offset programs can provide …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Reducing the Cost of Energy on Campus with Distributed Wind Generation.
- Entegrity Wind Systems, Inc. (CO)
By installing small wind on campus, university administrators insulate budgets from increases in electricity prices. Capital funds invested in a wind turbine can yield significant annual operational savings that can …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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North Carolina State University: Accomplishments and Commitments during the Year of Energy
- North Carolina State University (NC)
The administration at NC State University declared the 2008-9 academic year as the "Year of Energy." During the year, the University is accelerating the pace of moving towards the sustainable …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Moving On: From RECs to Local Offsets as Social Benefits
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
As the nation's first campus to fund Renewable Energy Credit (RECs) purchases with student dollars, the University of Colorado-Boulder was reluctant to abandon RECs. However, after considering the co-benefits of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Green Campus 101: Harnessing Energy for Change
- Alliance to Save Energy (CA)
Universities represent a unique testing ground to address energy issues, as demonstrated by the Alliance to Save Energy's Green Campus Program. This presentation will showcase transferable best practices of a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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SD Wind Energy: The Need for Public Activism
- American University (DC)
Wind energy has the potential to significantly reduce United States carbon emissions and to provide an economic stimulus for rural America. South Dakota has one of the largest wind energy …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Launching Web-Enabled, Real-Time, Energy Management Software in Campus Buildings at UBC
- AquaHealth, Inc.
This presentation will discuss the lessons learned in deploying an energy management software tool at the University of British Columbia. The University of British Columbia Sustainability Office partnered in the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Energy Future Game
- Bridgewater State University (MA)
This poster will present the Energy Future Game. This game is a simple spreadsheet where the student's goal is to fill in the energy future of the United States. Students …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Hocking College Energy Institute
- Design Group (OH)
Construction of the Hocking College Energy Institute will commence in the summer of 2008. Hocking College was recently awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Economic Development Administration for the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.
All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.
OP 5: Building Energy Efficiency
- Total performance year site energy consumption per unit of floor area
- Total performance year source energy consumption per unit of floor area
- Percent reduction in total source energy consumption per unit of floor area from baseline
- Description of initiatives to shift individual attitudes and practices in regard to energy efficiency
- Description of energy use standards and controls employed by the institution
- Description of LED lighting and other energy-efficient lighting strategies
- Description of passive solar heating, geothermal systems, and related strategies
- Description of co-generation employed by the institution
- Description of initiatives to replace energy-consuming equipment with high efficiency alternatives
- Website URL - Energy conservation and efficiency program
OP 6: Clean and Renewable Energy
- Percent of total energy consumption from clean and renewable sources
- Website URL - Clean and renewable energy programs
- Percent of electricity from coal
- Percent of electricity from geothermal
- Percent of electricity from hydro
- Percent of electricity from natural gas
- Percent of electricity from nuclear energy
- Percent of electricity from solar photovoltaic
- Percent of electricity from wind
- Percent of electricity from wind
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.